Lilith's frown deepened as she stepped forward, her voice edged with caution.
"Ethan, be careful with your words, don't go too far." The weight of her warning hung heavy—a reminder that despite the Empress's favor toward Ethan, Seraphina was no less formidable, the very Saintess of Azure Origin Dao Sect and the Empress's cherished direct disciple. She had been treated as family since childhood, and none could tolerate disrespect against her.
In the vast martial arts arena, the murmurs stilled to a frozen silence. No one spoke as Ethan, standing firm, let his voice resound, cold and unwavering like frozen steel.
"Lilith, know your place."
In an instant, the entire arena seemed gripped by ice—the breath of silence hovering over every disciple and master.
Seraphina's face darkened with anger, the insult beneath Ethan's words striking hard and leaving her wounds raw.
Her voice rang out fiercely, breaking the stillness.
